Labour Council Supporting Workers at Rideauwood Addictions and Family Services
March 6th, 2024
For Immediate Release
Labour Council Supporting Workers at Rideauwood Addictions and Family Services
OTTAWA – The Ottawa and District Labour Council is expressing support and solidarity for workers at the Rideauwood Addictions and Family Services located on Parkdale Avenue in Ottawa. The 40 workers, members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union Local 454, recently voted overwhelmingly in favour of strike action if necessary.
“At a time when our city is experiencing a mental health and addictions crisis on so many fronts an employer here in that field is seemingly thumbing their nose at those very workers who are doing their best to make a difference. This despite a low wage, no WSIB protection, a massive workload leading to significant retention issues,” said Sean McKenny, president of the Ottawa and District Labour Council.
Rideauwood Addiction and Family Services was founded in 1976 and provides mental health and addictions counselling services across the city. It serves adults, youth, young adults, and family members who are or who have been affected by addiction and substance abuse, as well as problem gambling.
“Some communities in this province have called a state of emergency over the widening opioid crisis. The work provided by counsellors at Rideauwood is needed now more than ever, clients’ lives could be on the line,” added McKenny.
The Ottawa and District Labour Council (ODLC) has been the voice of working people in the Ottawa area since 1872. The ODLC currently represents 90 union locals with a combined membership of 50,000 workers and is the largest democratic and popular organization in the Ottawa area.
Contacts:
Sean McKenny 613 862-5150
Ottawa & District Labour Council 613 233-7820
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